The bodies of six abducted Naga civilians recovered in Manipur were brought to the mortuary of the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) in Imphal during the early hours of Thursday, as the National Investigation Agency (NIA) initiated a forensic investigation into the case.
Officials said the mortal remains reached the JNIMS mortuary at around 2:30 am after being recovered during a search operation. A team comprising NIA officials, forensic experts and other authorities subsequently began examining the bodies and collecting evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The agency is conducting forensic analyses to determine the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the six civilians, who were among those abducted from Leilon Vaiphei village in Kangpokpi district on May 13. The investigation remains in progress.
Meanwhile, tension prevailed at the JNIMS premises on Wednesday night after reports emerged that the bodies would be brought to the hospital for post-mortem examination. A large crowd gathered at the site, leading to a confrontation between sections of the public and security personnel deployed around the hospital.
The situation later escalated into clashes, prompting Manipur Police to fire tear gas shells to disperse the crowd and prevent further unrest near the mortuary complex. Authorities subsequently brought the situation under control and reinforced security in and around the hospital premises to maintain law and order.
The recovery of the six bodies has sparked widespread outrage and heightened tensions across several parts of Manipur, with various organisations demanding justice for the victims and immediate action against those responsible.
Further details are awaited as the NIA continues its investigation into the abduction and killings.
